# underwritten

/ˈəndɝˌɹɪtən/ (US) · /ˌʌndəɹˈɪtən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/underwritten
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to agree to pay for something if needed, like a loan, insurance, or public event. It is the past form of 'underwrite' that banks and companies often use.

For teachers: past participle of 'underwrite'; to assume financial risk for something by agreeing to cover costs or losses, such as for a loan, insurance policy, or share issue.

## Examples

- The bank has underwritten our small business loan.
- The new theatre festival was underwritten by local businesses that covered most of the costs.
- The offshore wind project, underwritten by a group of international banks, moved forward only after guarantees covered potential construction delays.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often in the passive to name the guarantor.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.